In rare move, US says it conducted Freedom of Navigation Operation in Indian waters

The US Navy has announced that it has carried out a Freedom of Navigation Operation in India's Exclusive Economic Zone without requesting India's prior consent.

The US Navy has announced that it has carried out a Freedom of Navigation Operation in India's Exclusive Economic Zone without New Delhi's prior consent to challenge India's "excessive" maritime claims. Sources said the announcement has prompted Indian authorities to assess whether an operational exercise was conducted by the US. "If it's an innocent passage, it's not an issue. We don't object to normal transiting. But if there has been an operational exercise without informing [the authorities], then it needs to be taken up," an official said.